Takeaway owner ‘heartbroken’ by one-star hygiene rating after £80k spend

A NOTTINGHAM takeaway has been given a one star hygiene rating and ordered to make major improvements in the management of food safety.

An inspection also found that steps needed to be taken to improve hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building at Fresh Munch in Radford Road, Hyson Green.

The business, which specialises in fried chicken and pizzas, was told by the Nottingham City Council environmental health officer that major improvements are needed to demonstrate that a system is in place to ensure that food sold is safe to eat and evidence that staff know about food safety.

However, Muhammad Ali, who opened the takeaway (pictured) in October, said he was “heartbroken” by the rating following the inspection in November.

The former Hucknall Domino’s store manager claimed the low score was unjustified and disputed the officer’s claim that staff were unqualified.

“It’s completely brand new - from scratch. I have spent £80,000 on this business and I can’t tolerate a single mistake.

“There is nothing wrong with that store. One of my staff has been working for 30 years in kitchens and another has worked seven years as a high level manager in a Papa Johns franchise so how can they not be professional in the food industry?

“We have been trading for three months and not had a complaint about food and hygiene. We have served hundreds of customers.”

One concern was a number of holes in the back yard.

Mr Ali, who said he was attending a funeral at the time of the inspection, said: “He said these are rat holes but we’ve had three inspections since we opened from Nottingham pest control and they said the yard is fine and it’s nothing to worry about.

“I called them again after his visit and they said it’s fine.”

When the Post contacted the food enforcement team for further details we were told: “Due to legal process and ongoing investigations, we are unable to release any details at the present time.”

Despite the low rating customers have nothing but good to say about the food served by the takeaway.

One reviewer said: “The burger was absolutely delicious and was not the typical fried chicken but was clearly freshly made ingredients.”

Another wrote: “Wow the chicken was so good. Mouthwatering.”